Roster Move:

Printable Roster:

Alonso will wear #8. Ruf has not yet reported–he’ll be in “Luna Land” for a day or two (named after Hector Luna, who could somehow report to Philadelphia on a moments notice and play in a game, but would take the better part of a week to get back to the IronPigs and make himself available to play. I know travel, where the weekend falls, and whatever else the organization might have planned for the roster might impact this. But I’m just saying.)

Analysis:

It’s the move we knew would come. We’ve talked about it for some time. He’s one of our favorite players. I really don’t have words to describe how happy I am today for Tommy Joseph. The beat writers have updated you on “what a great story” it is, and all that. But we know that stuff. We also know that Tommy is a great, great guy. He’s a guy who would put down his sandwich, put on his hat and make time for an interview–even with a schmuck like me. His success to this point is a testament to not only his talent, but his work.

“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”

-Tim Notke

Many had written him off following last season, when he came back to the IronPigs as a first-baseman and had an underwhelming finish to the year. Truth is, I didn’t know if he’d make it back for this season. I didn’t personally write him off, because I like him, BUT…I knew he wouldn’t catch; I also knew that JP Arencibia played a ton of 1B last year in Durham. I knew Brock Stassi had earned the Eastern League MVP last season. I knew 1B-only was a tough place to earn a job. But he did it. So of course I wanted to talk to him about it:

The thing I’m thinking of this evening is not about the great story, or about the great guy Tommy is–those are all true. The thing I’m thinking is that his hard work paid off. He went into the off-season with the same doubts that we all had. He knew there were no guarantees. He knew he was locked into one position. But he put in the work anyway, remade his game and his body, and came into camp ready to challenge. And he did.

He earned it.

For the IronPigs, we lose one of our most productive players–but we get Darin Ruf coming back. He’s never been the most prolific of IronPigs, but now he’s got something to prove. Let’s see how he responds.

Good to see Alonso back. He was off to a good start before getting hit in the face during batting practice. I’m somewhat surprised to see him back so quickly; I’m looking forward to seeing him play again.

Another move will be forthcoming when Ruf reports.

Also of note: Reading is down a player after Marrero went on the DL. Rumblings starting for JP Crawford’s promotion. 40-man spot was available in Philly for Tommy because Hunter had been out-righted and passed through waivers.

See you at the park,

@Kram209

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Wishing Tommy the best with the Phillies. The Phillies will be facing Brandon Finnegan, a lefty, tonight. Tommy is hitting .367 vs. LHP and has 3 HR in 30 AB’s against southpaws. It appears Tommy’s bat is ready for the next level. Let’s hope his glove is ready too.